Tech-Bits: A Blog

I want to tell you about theses fabulous "desk chairs of the future:" The Node by Steelcase. These chairs are so awesome and versatile they have a place in any classroom K-College as well as in the workplace. I first heard about these chairs in the article "Collaboration on Wheels: 21st Century Classroom Furniture at Work" by Laura Bradley (it's an awesome article-you should read it!). Basically this company have revolutionized the old, boring, worn out wooden desk of yesteryear and designed a desk that encourages collaboration AND (this is my favorite part) organization for students and colleagues.Here are just a few of the desk configurations I can remember from my public school days: the conglomeration of wood and metal that I swear were created by someone who really did not care about our rear ends--am I right? Oh my the painful hours I can remember sitting at my desk having to listen to my US History teacher go on and on and on about the history of our country which was already painful and then add in the fact that my rear had completely gone numb and my back spasms were keeping rhythm with the painful ticking of the clock on the wall. In other words, these desks stunk BIG TIME!

And for my teacher friends, if a kid is uncomfortable in any fashion at their desk or table you can bid a sweet farewell to their attention. All they are really thinking about is how soon they can get the heck out of there and move their aching extremities.

So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Node. Don't they just look cool? The biggest draw for me is that these are not desk, they are not chairs, they are collaborative vehicles for learning. Each chair base is on wheels allowing your students to quickly form collaborative groups. There are several different models but this one is my favorite and the one pictured at the top of this entry. The desk part can swivel down to the side of the chair when not needed and their is storage at the bottom for bookbags--OMG no more having to go to the bookbag in the middle of the day and interrupt the WHOLE class (am I right elementary people?)!! The model at the top also includes a water bottle holder-EUREKA--no more water spills all over everywhere. I love, love, love that these provide a way for our overly active sweeties (you know who they are) to stay active without drawing attention to themselves. I personally think that these chairs belong in every classroom in America and I would love to help someone find a grant to write for these little beauties!

Author

Hi! My name is Allison Barton, a former elementary school teacher turned Technology Integration Specialist at Greenville High School in Greenville, South Carolina. I have been teaching for 11 years and have relied on technology during that time to excite, engage, and educate my students (both young and old). I also enjoy very much sharing my knowledge about technology with other teachers. I am married to the fabulous Kevin Barton. We have been married for 5 years. We have three wonderful boys, Cade (15), Grayson (8), and Bennett (4 going on 45). When I am not helping teachers with all things technology, me and the family enjoy camping, karaoke with our awesome friends (at home), baseball, and the lake.